KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Police Department sought the public's help in identifying a suspected car thief Friday. Shortly after her photo and surveillance video were released, police received multiple calls revealing her
identity. This investigation is ongoing, and the suspect is being
interviewed by detectives to determine how she came to be in possession
of the vehicle.

According to KPD Public Information Officer Tom Patton, employees of Tri-Cities Dodge discovered a 2011 Ford Fusion was missing on Nov. 6. While unsure of how long the car had been gone from the lot on East Stone Drive, a check of records revealed it was last accounted for seven days prior.

When personnel arrived to open the dealership on Nov. 7, the Fusion was found parked at the car lot entrance. Its keys had been placed in an overnight drop box.

Patton says whoever stole the vehicle happened to leave a serendipitous piece of evidence inside the car: a Walmart receipt dated Nov. 1 Subsequent police checks of store surveillance footage from that day have now identified a suspect in the case.

Patton says a heavy-set, white female in her 20s or 30s was recorded as she parked the car, with cameras also picking her up inside the store. She is described as being of average height with long dark hair, pulled back in a ponytail during the trip to Walmart. Police note that she also has multiple tattoos, appearing especially prominent on the left shoulder and upper arm area.

Anyone with information on the suspect pictured is asked to contact KPD detectives at (423) 229-9429 or central dispatch at (423) 246-9111.